By KT Reporter
Security authorities in Madi Okollo district, West Nile, have successfully evicted 154 herds of cattle belonging to Balaalo cattle keepers, as part of the ongoing Operation Harmony. The cattle were loaded onto five trucks and safely escorted to Karuma, from where they were ordered to proceed to their original locations.
The eviction follows a joint agreement made two weeks ago during a meeting held in Adjumani town, where Balaalo cattle keepers and security officials consented to a peaceful withdrawal from the region. The agreement allowed four days of sensitization to enable the herders to prepare for the move.
Collins Asea, the Police Spokesperson for North and West Nile regions, confirmed the peaceful commencement of the exercise, noting that it began in Madi Okollo district on Sunday and is progressing smoothly. Most Balaalo herders have been operating in the districts of Madi Okollo, Adjumani, Obongi, Moyo, and parts of Terego.
Operation Harmony was launched in response to a Presidential Executive Order and is scheduled to last 65 days. The exercise is already underway in other parts of the country. Asea emphasized that the eviction is being carried out under the strict supervision of District Security Committees and local community leaders, ensuring that the process remains peaceful and orderly.
“The operation is also extending to other districts within West Nile and North West Nile regions, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents and herders involved,” Asea said. He further noted that 39 herds of cattle remain in Madi Okollo, pending transportation due to limited truck capacity. The remaining cattle are expected to be relocated starting Monday, as the operation shifts to other districts in the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
